He is equally known for his directorial ventures as he is praised for his poems and lyrics but lyricist-director Gulzar says he cut down on wielding the megaphone due to his love for poetry and books.

"Poetry was my lifeline all along. Literature and poetry are my passion and it's something that I have always liked. I am glad I am into books again.

I couldn't do that while I was making films, " Gulzar told reporters here, after he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the opening ceremony of the 11th edition of the annual Osian's-Cinefan Film Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema here Saturday evening.

"There was no reason I quit or mellowed down on direction. I just wanted to write a lot of books. Filmmaking is a 24-hour occupation and it keeps you mentally occupied till the film doesn't get over. I wanted to write for children. I am still writing books for them and maintaining my rapport with them. Films didn't give me that time, " he said.

Gulzar has directed critically-accalimed films like "Parichay", "Aandhi", "Mausam", "Ijazaat", "Libaas", "Lekin..." and "Maachis" to name a few since 1971 but cut down action on the director's front after dud "Hu Tu Tu" in 1999.